However, the experts she cites on this scientific issue are religious lobbyists.

A Google search reveals:

1.)In 2005, Susan Muskett was a paid lobbyist for the National Right to Life Committee. The Web site National Council of Catholic Women lists her as executive director, and she was associated with the Christian Coalition, founded by televangelist Pat Robertson.

2.)Kimberly Zenarolla is listed as director of strategic development on the National Pro-Life Action Center, “pursuing a master’s in theology.”

As for the “67 diseases successfully treated,” that is probably the discredited list concocted by David Prentice of the Family Research Council, one of the most influential political action arms of the Religious Right.

The American Medical Association, the National Academy of Sciences, the Association of American Universities, and to the best of my knowledge, every major scientific, medical and educational organization that has taken a position supports embryonic stem cell research.

In matters of faith, one’s relationship with the divine should rule.

But if I break an arm, I will go to a hospital, not a church.

Don C. Reed

Fremont

Good mechanic

I CANNOT speak to most of the Union Square situation but would like to comment regarding my knowledge of and experience with Gary Singh, owner of Bay Star Auto.

I must take exception, since what I have seen written in The Argus has usually seemed such that it makes Singh look like one of the bad guys. I do not believe that he is a bad guy.

In my life, I have seen or experienced many of the negative stereotypes regarding auto mechanics. However, Singh is the positive that offsets all of those.

He has always been upfront, fair and honest with me and my wife.

Any problems we have brought to him — and there have been some good ones — have been handled in a manner that is beyond reproach. I trust him completely with all my family’s cars, to keep them safe and running well.

I see Singh as an asset to any community he establishes his business in and I hope that he stays close so that we can continue to do business with him for many years to come.

Douglas G. Chadduck

Fremont

Being a realist

I AGREE with Ming Wong’s explanation, in his July 27 letter, that atheists don’t hate religionists.

Most atheists or agnostics were brought up with religion and the Bible’s teachings.

Being realists and using common sense, they came to the conclusion that if there were such a thing as a God who punishes the bad and rewards the good, why is it that innocent people, especially children, die at the hand of criminals?

Why would such a God allow a dedicated mother of four young children to be killed by a drunken driver who walks away from the scene? Why would such a God allow good people such as police, fire, or military personnel to be killed trying to save someone else’s life?

Why do people thank a God for saving their lives instead of thanking doctors, nurses, or the scientists who dedicated their lives to developing medication to cure their illnesses?

It bothers me that religious people can confess and repent and all is forgiven, then continue to commit hideous acts — until the next repentance, followed by forgiveness.

People flaunting their religious beliefs make me question their sincerity.